Jo bounced down the street, beckoning his new friends on. His shoes splashed up slush from the sidewalk. He was breathless. Even as the clouds lost the orange tint of sunset for the deep purple of twilight, it seemed brighter out."Wait until you see the village square!" His voice leapt and echoed off the houses around them."It sounds lovely." Harriet shook her head slightly, as though he were an o...  Read More

"Are you sure this will work?" Edwin asked as they tromped through the snow. "I mean, will the letter get delivered?""I don't see why the post office wouldn't be open tomorrow. It's not a holiday," Harriet said."Yes, but I need a guarantee that the letter will be delivered by tomorrow night." He turned to Jo. "It has to be, or I don't get my wishes."Jo shrugged. "Probably."Edwin stopped and looked...  Read More

Edwin tugged frantically at the post office doors. The sign said the building closed at 4:30, but it was only 4:50. He shook his head, ignoring the dryness in his mouth. Someone was still in there. They had to be.Next to him, Harriet leaned against the simple stone column that framed the door. She was breathing heavily from the half-mile run from the train station. Her eyes were closed and her hai...  Read More

Jo Vielle leaned against the corner of the second class carriage as the passengers at lunch. Soft conversation was interrupted by the soft clink of silverware. The bowls of soup sloshed gently back and forth with the rocking of the train.While keeping an eye on the other passengers, his focus was mainly on the two teens in seats seven and eight. The pretentious Edwin, with his slicked back hair an...  Read More

Edwin entered the next carriage and closed the door behind him. The cold, rushing air had stolen his breath from his lungs, and now he desperately refilled them. The passengers in this carriage ignored him, not knowing the priceless thing in his pocket.He reached in and rubbed the parchment again. All his wishes, everything he deserved, was still there. Cheap ink on the most expensive parchment in...  Read More

Social wellness is our focus area for December. It's a month that can be filled with social events, family gatherings, or maybe even loneliness. It's a good time to remember that relationships are important to us as humans and a good time to think about how we can improve connections in our lives. See other social wellness ideas on our weekly social media posts and on our Social Wellness page....  Read More

The young man next to Harriet Anessy was an enigma. Edwin acted like an aristocrat with his language and overinflated ego. He had made it obvious what he thought was the vast difference between his class and hers. His pointed nose was upturned at everyone.But his looks told a different story. His coat was worn and patched with disparate pieces of gray cloth. His hair was slicked back with yesterda...  Read More

Check out the 2025 Holiday Wellness Toolkit from Mental Health Connect. This resource guide provides ideas for individuals and families who are in need of carefully navigating their mental health and wellness during the holiday season. We encourage you to share this information with those who can benefit from it. Topics include:Ways to Use the Guide with Your Faith CommunitiesHelp for Holiday Stre...  Read More

Edwin anxiously pulled at his suspenders as the old woman in front of him haggled over luggage costs. The rumbling locomotive at Track 3 let out another hiss of steam. He flinched in surprise. Time was passing, much too quickly, and he needed to make that train."Hurry up," he muttered under his breath. "I need a ticket.""We both do," Harriet said. At his look, she added "I'm coming with you. To fi...  Read More

It’s December, which means it’s time to start thinking about camp, but this year with a new name: Water’s Edge Ministries! Summer camp allows kids to create core memories that will shape them in their future. They will make friends, do fun activities, and learn how God is at work in their lives. This year Water’s Edge Ministries is focusing stories in the Bible that have to do with water. Water is...  Read More

"I'm so sorry!" The apprentice letter carrier's eyes glistened as she ran beside Edwin. Her navy blue postal coat whipped out behind her, much too big for her thin frame. She looked to be about his age, if not a year or two younger.He turned his eyes back to the red postal carriage several blocks ahead. "Listen, miss, if thi–""Harriet," she said between heavy breaths.Was she serious? He was not go...  Read More

The December 2025 Newsletter is now available for download. 11th - Summer Overnight Camp Registration Opens14th - Poinsettia Donations Due14th - Service of Lessons & Carols, 10am16th - Dads Group, 7pm19th - Moms Group, 7pm21st - Kids Christmas Program, 10am24th - Christmas Eve Service, 4pm24th - Christmas Eve Service, 9pm31st - Year-End Contributions DueFor up to date information and to register f...  Read More